http://www.quaintmelody.com A Malaysian's life in the bungy land Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:09:14 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Snippets of my China trip. click photo to enlarge. 夢想的旅行，可以很近也很遠。對我來說，那是一場回歸根源的旅程。 許多人都跟我說過中國人給他們的衝擊，現在到我親身體會一下。 或許是因為自小在華文教育的背景長大，對這片華人的祖地總有一分微妙的感情。 那片我們祖先生活的土地悠遠流長，一直都是我想去的地方。它牽系著我心裡最深處。 要去看看上海的繁華，蘇東坡口中初晴后雨的西湖，見證明清興滅的紫禁城， 依紅樓夢裡的描述而打造的大觀園和被英法聯軍洗劫焚毀的圓明園遺跡。 中國於我來說，是根的所在和中華文化千年歷史的依歸。 Where's your dream destination? For most of my friends, it's Japan, Europe or the Pacific. For me, it is the home of my forefathers, China. It's been said that one must always treasure his culture and heritage. Those are the key factors ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/11/dream-holiday.html As I slowly strolled between the majestic red walls, trying to imagine the days that were A quaint feeling arose out of nowhere A mixture of sorrow and grandeur; almost a weird sense of belonging For a minute, I lost myself in the overwhelming rushes of emotions... Stay tuned, more to come soon! My apologies ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/11/where-i-was.html Sunset under the Auckland Harbour Bridge. click photo to enlarge. The little things in life Ones worth savouring over Those that seem so mundane and ordinary Those worth a second look on many occasions Time and again, we make choices Decisions that mold us into the people we are today Some righteous and some wicked Of all ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/10/little-things-in-life.html click photo to enlarge. When the glistering lights are finally quenched and darkness creeps in, you will see the eloquent beauty of life. Darkness can bring out the tenacity in us. But are you afraid of the dark? http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/10/tenacious-light.html click photo to enlarge. Wishing all my muslim friends a prosperous Raya and happy holidays to the rest! :D http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/10/holiday-greetings.html Pathway. click photo to enlarge. The path we choose to walk on It can be a lonely one sometimes Doubts and dispute, they creep in like a sneaky thief Take heart, light is always not far away I wonder between the good and evil Trying to grasp that centre point The delicate balance of life It's fragile like ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/pathway.html Mr K had Scotch Fillet, served medium-rare on a bed of baked potatoes with red wine, cracked pepper and peppercorn sauce, while I opted for my fish of the day, grilled with lemon, served with cauliflowers and potatoes. We went to this little Italian restaurant called Invito ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/invito.html Explosion of reds . photo by cc. click photo to enlarge. Happiness exploded into a jubilant of reds I let my feelings run free There's no need to justify how I feel Letting go is incredibly liberating No matter what that might be I hope you'll find your sea of reds too http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/a-jubilant-of-reds.html Sunset at Mt Eden. click photo to enlarge. I always feel a strong sense of harmony when I'm atop a mountain. The winds, the view and the calm air all form into a feeling of enchantment. The pensive thoughts diminished and I'm able to find the inner-peace. Mountains have that magical ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/my-mountain.html Cow on Mt Eden. click photo to enlarge. It was a quaint encounter I saw you moving along slowly with your pals Pausing every other step to savour the rich lush green Right to the top you went Lazing away the steps Not a care in the word Trailing along in the chilly winds I walk up to ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/a-quaint-encounter.html A scrumptious dinner at Grand Harbour and some snow-skin mooncakes I bought from local Chinese grocery, by Maxims Hong Kong. click photos to enlarge. Nice food, pleasant company and a few laughs over drinks. Isn't that how we spend most festive seasons? http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/the-night-that-was.html Dusk on the summit of Mt Eden click photo to enlarge. I spent the mid-autumn festival afternoon on Mt Eden. It is always very windy up there. I started snapping photos while waiting for the moon to come out. The temperature was freezing and my fingers seemed to have taken on ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/idyllic-bliss.html The moon appeared a little over 6pm. As it became brighter and the sky darken, I immersed myself in the mesmerising and mystical air. My loved ones in that faraway land, I miss you all and wish you well. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival . 中秋節快樂! click photo to enlarge. The moon was beaming, ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/moonlight-rendezvous.html His proposal pal, froggie. Everyday I wake up with happy thoughts There's someone behind the fountain of joy How I remember the days we've been together All the secrets we shared, silly things we've done It only seems like yesterday where I meet this big boy with the kindest smile Who shook my hand and ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/a-song-for-you.html Stand alone house on the hill. click photo to enlarge. When the buzz is over and crowd has dispersed A lone star is left at the stale scene In its dreary state it stands alone Months and years it awaits Reminiscing the old glorious days While awaiting its future to be made There's a bittersweet taste lingering ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/lone-star.html Wait for the photos to fully load then click the main photo. Move your cursor to left/right to go to the next/previous photo. Sunday night. The Observetory. A quiet night out with my significant someone. Delightful companion and delectable food. Life should ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/a-night-to-observe.html Child in Huntington Park. click photo to enlarge. Oh my child, hold on with your little hands. One day they'll be strong, strong enough to build a castle of your own. It's Friday Friday Friday! Have a wonderful weekend! http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/hold.html Just before dark, Mission Bay. click photo to enlarge. Why does the sky seems so grey Is it because of me There's no one left in sight I feel the world closing in Of all the places I've been to All the people I've seen People come and go But memories, the memories of them cast footprints in ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/of-love-and-broken-hearts.html Wellesley Street, Auckland. click photo to enlarge. I took a moment and stood there in the middle of the busy street. People passing by, quickly in their paces. Of tourist, students and people in their business suits, none of them seemed to have a minute to spare. People rushing here and there, trying to fit ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/haste.html Dawn of light outside my bedroom window. click photo to enlarge. Waking up just before dawn, feeling a little drowsy. I was standing in front of the window, waiting, staring into the morning darkness. It always seems so calm and serene this time of the day, with birds chirping and the refreshing light ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/09/at-the-dawn-of-light.html Reflection of light on my old camera lens. click photo to enlarge. A match of light can illuminate even the most impermeable darkness. Where there's light, there's hope. Happy Birthday my homeland, the place that always tucks my heartstrings. http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/lights.html I love you mama! click photo to enlarge. 56 winters ago, an angel came to this world. She carries such grace and love; Fairies dodge away in shame. She touches lives with her kindness and smiles; Her warmth flows deep into souls like a refreshing creek. She has touched many lives; She bestows me the ability to ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/my-guardian-angel.html Psychedelic lights. click photo to enlarge. Music is playing, people dancing around I turn and turn, hoping to catch the tunes I see wonders, in the smiles and laughters I see sorrows, in the hesitations and pauses Are they a facet or emotions from the heart One couldn't tell, we just take it on and dance ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/masquerade.html Warm and fuzzy, like how I feel this very moment. click photo to enlarge. Words unsaid, but we know they are there. It's understood like the many subtle things in life. You blink, and I return a tender gaze. Not a word uttered, but it's louder than ever. http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/the-sound-of-silence.html Wonderful colours of nature. click photo to enlarge. I love - Breaths of fresh air in the morning, sound of child's laughter. Tinkling sound of wind chimes, flows of clouds on blue skies. Sights of dazzling colours of nature, smells of freshly brewed coffee from the cafés. Smiles on strangers' faces, melodious sounds playing round ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/what-a-wonderful-world.html Sunset over Civic Theatre click photo to enlarge. 5:52pm . Sunday . Queen Street People hurrying away home, preparing for the week's start. A stray of orange clouds appear in the sky, over the heritage Civic Theatre. I stroll along the street, observing the beauty that is the city. Sunset came and went away, so ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/552pm.html Candlelight click photo to enlarge. Let the emotions run wild, it's a beautiful thing. When things go your way, cheer away; When things go awry, let out a roar; When your heart is broken, cry aloud. It's what sets us apart, the ability to feel and express. One of the many wonders of life. I hope your ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/flames-of-emotion.html Home is where the heart is. click photo to enlarge. Walking along the path like a thousand times before, My mind is muddy and body so worn, There's only one place I want to be, Take me home, take me home. A brown roof and a tall tall tree in the horizon, The familiar blue door ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/going-home.html click photo to enlarge. ParisB tagged me on this interesting meme over a week ago (see, told you I'm a terrible procrastinator!). Somehow, the word worm sends a chill down my spine, but I am indeed one when it comes to books. Here goes. Do you remember how you developed a love ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/bookworm-in-da-house.html My photos tend to have dark undertones, or so I've been told. click photo to enlarge. This photo disturbs me a little, but it's also one of my favourites. It seems so much like life. At times, it is like a bed of roses, but there will always be thorns lurking in ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/ugly-beautiful.html The day started with drizzles as I decided to go for a walk in the city. I am always bedazzled by skies reflected on the many buildings. They seem so surreal. Strolling down the busy street, I found a corner in a café and sat down leisurely watching the day goes by. ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/a-lazy-sunday-afternoon.html Yummy, yummy, yummylicious! click photo to enlarge What is that little delight that brightens up cold days like this? This of course, my little winter comfort food. Yes, it's kiwi season again! No, not that bird! The fruit! The green sourly fruit that makes our mouth water. Winter is the best ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/kiwi-sensation.html Rain falling down in stream, forming a river running deep into my heart; Di Da Di Da, the melody plays on, of the psychedelic sound of yesteryear. It's been raining on and off the whole day, gloomy clouds and blue skies alternate in the space up above. Sitting by the window, the ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/raindrops-of-yesteryear.html Can you spot the rainbow? click photo to enlarge. After what seemed to be two days of sunshine, the rain resumed. Gloomy clouds roam the skies once again. Although the greyness can turn one's emotion to be melancholy, it certainly has done some good to my much neglected garden. Isn't that how ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/silver-lining.html click photo to enlarge. It was not a particularly eventful day, just one of those days when there was so much on my mind. I just wanted to get away. So off I went for a walk around the neighborhood, randomly snapping away. Along the way, I saw a familiar red ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/good-things-come-in-small-ways.html Here are some photos taken at the Orakei Marina, Auckland a few weeks ago, on a bright winter day. It was freezing cold even though it seemed warm and bright in the pictures. Orakei Marina is located on the scenic Tamaki Drive at Okahu Bay in Auckland. It is home ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/orakei-marina-auckland.html graphic credit For generations to come, today's going to be remembered as the day. A great day for all Chinese around the world. The Olympic has finally arrived in China. I've been looking forward for this day to come. The show is starting as this post is published. My heart pounds ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/080808-once-in-a-hundred-years.html click photo to enlarge. "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou It is so very true. One quote that applies to all, the old and young. How many times have we let something slip ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/feeling.html Sky on a winter afternoon. click photo to enlarge. The panoramic view outside my window, on a beautiful winter evening. click photo to enlarge. The Maori named New Zealand Aotearoa for a reason. It means 'The Land of the Long White Cloud'. Sky like this is a common scene all year round. ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/land-of-the-long-white-cloud.html click photo to enlarge. Let there be light, to brighten the day; to shine away the darkness; to chase away the shadows; to lighten up my soul. Sitting in the middle of the room, darkness surrounding me. The faint light coming from the lamp looks surprisingly luminous, irradiating my face. Looking into the light, I feel ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/light.html A hauntingly beautiful view of the park in the afternoon. click photo to enlarge The sun finally came out Monday afternoon, winds blew away the gloomy clouds. Rays shining through tall trees towering from a distance, casting long shadows on the emerald field. Walking along the familiar path, relaxing myself in the lush ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/shadows-in-the-sun.html click photo to enlarge A shot of the morning sky outside my window to kick start Monday. It instantly brightens up my day. Hope it blows away your Monday blues too! :) http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/good-morning-monday.html View outside my bedroom window. click photo to enlarge It's been a very wet and gloomy winter down under, raining more than usual. The weather pattern surely has changed dramatically in the past few years. Auckland weather can be very unpredictable. With the sun shining one minute, and gloomy clouds roaming ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/08/lets-talk-about-weather.html click photo to enlarge Life is - Discovering the sights beyond clouds; Hearing the voices through noise; Embracing the raw emotions with your heart; And most importantly seizing the day with open arms. What is life to you? Do share with me. 開心地笑，痛快地哭，環手擁抱自己。 努力地發掘生命的色彩。 傾聽快樂的聲音，你我都可以。 http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/07/living-life.html Gerberas, my favourite flowers. click photo to enlarge Something is invigorating me. I feel the adrenaline rushing; my mind buzzing. I hum along to the melodious tone in my mind. Joyous waves are reverberating deep within my heart. I wish you well too, my dear friends. http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/07/euphoria.html click photo to enlarge With shorter daylight, winter days seem to pass by quickly. I was in a daze mostly. Many thoughts flew by my mind. What does the future hold for me, I wonder. 在漫長的冬夜蟄伏，等待那一線初春的曙光。 http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/07/daze.html mmm... can you tell my dad's desperation? When you're at the last leg of your 20s and married for more than 2 years, this is what to expect among many birthday wishes. *cue nervous laughter* Thank you very much for the many birthday wishes. It was a great day. ;) Have a ... http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/07/happy-birth-day.html click photo to enlarge Sitting in the dark, breathing in the cold air, feeling somewhat serene and enlighten. Inner peace seem to finally find its way to my heart. Just in time. 24/7, comes the day that I always look forward to as a child. Happy Birthday to me. Here's to good things! 點點燭光，帶我回到那夢樣的年紀。 那年的夢想，在記憶裡釀成了酒。像消逝的年歲，醇香瀰漫，永留心中。 http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/07/247.html click to enlarge I pondered, over and over, searching for something that wasn't there. 'Let it be for now,' a voice rang in my mind. 'Just remember, this too shall pass.' http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/07/this-too-shall-pass.html click to enlarge It's a beautiful feeling. The rays of sunshine, the gust of cold wind in the morning, the sound of leaves rustling. Most of all, simply feeling alive. Life should be simple as that. http://www.quaintmelody.com/2008/07/a-beautiful-feeling.html